In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, a powerhouse lineup featuring Billy Strings, James Taylor, Luke Combs, and Eric Church is set to perform at Concert for Carolina, a benefit show dedicated to supporting relief efforts across the Carolinas and the Southeast. The concert, presented by Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, will take place on Saturday, October 26th, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
The Tar Heel State holds deep significance for all four headliners. James Taylor, Luke Combs, and Eric Church—who released the song “Darkest Hour” this past Friday in response to the recent devastation—each have roots in North Carolina, where their love of music first blossomed. Billy Strings, while hailing from Michigan, has performed extensively in the state and has developed a strong personal connection to the region and its people.
Hosted by ESPN’s Marty Smith and Barstool Sports’ Caleb Pressley, the event is expected to draw massive crowds, with additional artists still to be announced in the lead-up to the show. Tickets will go on sale this Thursday, October 10th, at 10:00 a.m. ET, and all proceeds from the concert will be directed toward critical hurricane relief efforts.
As Hurricane Helene’s destruction became evident, the group quickly mobilized to create an impactful response. The first call went out to David Tepper, owner of the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC, and Bank of America Stadium. Tepper and his wife, Nicole, responded without hesitation, offering the stadium as the venue for the benefit concert and partnering to make the event a reality as swiftly as possible. With the Teppers’ generosity and the community’s backing, Concert for Carolina was set into motion.
The concert will channel 100% of its proceeds, including sponsorships, into relief efforts, split evenly between Luke Combs’ charitable foundation and Eric Church’s Chief Cares Foundation. Combs has chosen to support organizations including Samaritan’s Purse, Manna Food Bank, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, with an additional organization yet to be announced. Chief Cares, a foundation known for its commitment to helping well-established, effective organizations, will ensure that aid reaches the families and communities most affected by Hurricane Helene.
Those unable to attend the concert but still eager to help can donate through The North Carolina Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund or directly to the various organizations listed at the event’s website.
The concert is made possible by the combined efforts of a number of sponsors, including Tepper Sports & Entertainment, Explore Asheville, T-Mobile, Atrium Health, Jack Daniel’s, Whataburger, Miller Lite, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.
